So you have a great plot for a suspense fiction story. What about the characters? Having strong believable characters in a novel is essential - it adds flesh to the story. Genuine characters with warts 'n all is something that appeals to readers and sustains interest and a sense of reality in the story.
I have some characters in my novels that have been shared across different books - same character in a different setting or time period. This is common enough in a series with the main character reappearing to solve the next problem - like Jack Reacher, Harry Potter or Ellen Ripley (Alien movies). Anyone who has read a few of my books may notice some familiar people. They are exactly the same person with adjustments made for age and place as to remain consistent and plausible. They are not always the main character. I find this helpful as I already know this person and the dialogue seems to flow really easily.
Not every character needs a fully blown description - some are transient in a story and may just need a basic introduction and that's that. Your main characters need to go on the journey with you - they develop and change or grow along the way. Being a "strong" character means really that they have a presence and a clear personality. A "strong" character may be a frail elderly person who stutters and uses a walking stick. They may be the protagonist or the antagonist.
Your character may even be a robot, an animal or a spirit. Being human is not a requirement.
When your character strikes conflict this is the opportunity to develop them further. How will they respond? At times you may also want to add some earlier history to the individual to enhance their story and assist with the reader's understanding of their dilemma.
Why not take a look at characters in some books or movies - write a list of what makes them strong. What makes Jake Brigance stand out (main character in some of John Grisham's novels)? He is persistent, sincere, resourceful, devoted to family and a supporter of the underdog.
John Cochran a senior police officer in 2 of my books - he is overweight, gruff, often cranky and irritable, demands hard work of others, at times sexist and hides his softer side well. The language used by your characters needs to reflect their image, highlight their moods and give a clue to what they might be thinking. Where you can show and don't tell.
Stay focused - write as often as you can - on whatever device is at hand.
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